I've been on Tramadol for years now and wanted to give out a warning. My doctor and myself had this discussion early on from me taking the meds and I am highly addicted to it. I take the top amount for a few years now and the withdrawal symptoms are just awful. So bad, that the decision to change medication is not really an option at the moment. Having worked in medics before I know everyone reacts different and for some of you coming off tramadol might be a breeze. But for myself, if I run out I get very different pain as from my fibro... And to say its not nice would be the understatement of the year. Tramadol is a brilliant painkiller for me and my fibromyalgia. If you are depressed however you will have a problem finding anti depressants as tramadol has a huge effect on your serotonin levels in your brain and serotonin shock syndrome can accrue and kill.
So, if any of you has any ideas how to come off that stuff let me know, if you are considdering going on it.... Read up first and take regular breaks from it... Hugs to all. Pain is awful... Knowing that it isn't going away is .... Well, you know the feeling.